Kyle Anderson, MD
26205 Lahser 2nd Floor
Southfield, MI 48033
Ph. (248) 663-1900
Michigan Orthopaedic Institute
33200 W 14 Mile Suite 220
W. Bloomfield, MI 48322
Ph. (248)855-7400
3535 W. 13 Mile Rd. #605
Royal Oak, MI 48073
Ph. (248)551-9100
Lateral Release
Post-Operative Protocol
Stage 1: Maximum Protection (0-2 weeks)
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Lateral buttress in post-op dressing to stabilize patella
Ice and modalities to reduce pain and inflammation
Use crutches for 5-7 days to reduce swelling. The patient may discontinue
crutches when they can walk without pain and without gait deviations.
Elevate the leg above the heart for the first 3-5 days.
Initiate patellar mobility exercises in all planes, emphasis on lateral tilt
Begin full passive/active knee ROM
Quad sets
Multi-plane open chain SLR
Gait re-education
Stage 2: Progressive Stretching and Early Strengthening (2-6
weeks):
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Maintain program as per week 0-2
continue with patella mobility exercises
Continue with modalities to control inflammation
Initiate global lower extremity stretching
Begin stationary bike, treadmill, and/or elliptical trainer as strength and
swelling permit, avoiding impact activity.
6. Begin bilateral closed kinetic chain strengthening progressing to unilateral as
tolerated.
7. Promote normal arthrokinematics with all closed chain exercises.
8. Implement reintegration exercises emphasizing core stability.
9. Begin closed chain multi-plane hip strengthening
10. Manual lower extremity PNF patterns
11. Proprioceptive drills emphasizing neuromuscular control
Stage 3: Advanced Strengthening and Proprioception Phase
(6-10 weeks)
1. Modalities as needed
Kyle Anderson, MD
26205 Lahser 2nd Floor
Southfield, MI 48033
Ph. (248) 663-1900
Michigan Orthopaedic Institute
33200 W 14 Mile Suite 220
W. Bloomfield, MI 48322
Ph. (248)855-7400
3535 W. 13 Mile Rd. #605
Royal Oak, MI 48073
Ph. (248)551-9100
2.
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5.
Continue with Stage 2 exercises as indicated
Advance time and intensity on cardiovascular program – no running
Begin functional cord resistance program
Initiate gym strengthening – bilateral progressing to unilateral as tolerated.
Leg press, squats, lunges (protected range), hamstring curls, ab/adduction, calf
raises
6. Begin pool running at weeks 8-10
Stage 4: Advanced Strengthening and Early Plyometric Drills
(10-12 weeks)
1. Begin running program at week 10-12, this is based on quadriceps function,
strength, swelling, and endurance
2. Begin light bilateral plyometric drills.
Stage 5: Return to Sport functional Program (12-16 weeks)
1. Sport-specific functional drills
2. Continue with aggressive lower extremity strengthening, cardiovascular
training, and flexibility
3. Progress plyometric exercises to unilateral as tolerated
4. Return to sport strength and functional tests (Biodex as needed, single leg
balance reach and single leg hop all 90% of uninvolved leg)